Introduction/specifics

The facility is located in the center of Ritterhude and comprises three elementary groups and two nursery groups. The elementary section cares for up to 67 children aged three to school age, while the nursery groups each care for 10 children aged one to three. 

Rooms

The facility has plenty of space. The main building houses the individual group rooms as well as a creative room, a language area with a library, dining rooms for different age groups, and separate bedrooms for the nursery children. Exercise classes are held regularly in the Riesturnhalle gym.

The annex building houses an exercise room, a sensory pool, an experimentation area, and a differentiation room with musical instruments and other play materials. The rooms are used for project-related, educational, and exercise-oriented activities.

Basics

The facility operates on a partially open basis and is designed for all ages. At certain times, the groups are open to all children so that they can take advantage of the activities offered in the various rooms. One focus is on language and language development integrated into everyday life, with new language opportunities being created regularly and elements such as children's sign language being integrated into everyday educational activities. Other areas of focus include promoting independence and supporting interaction between older and younger children.

Cooperations

The children are supported in their participation in community life by getting to know real places and facilities outside the facility. This includes visits to their future school and walks to the weekly market, town hall, shopping facilities, playgrounds, or the Hamme river.

In addition, there is regular contact with community and therapeutic facilities, the library, other daycare centers, the church, and, in particular, the elementary school.

Projects

The facility places particular emphasis on successful transitions. The “Lernzwerge” project provides nursery children with a solid foundation for their upcoming kindergarten years.

The “Kindergarten Plus” project strengthens the basic skills of kindergarten children. Over the course of nine mornings, topics such as the body, senses, feelings, relationships, identity, rules, and boundaries are covered.

For preschool children (“Vorschulpiraten”), playful, school-preparatory activities will be offered starting in the fall and January. The goal is to specifically promote basic school skills, including motor skills, perception, memory, concentration, phonological awareness, and basic mathematical skills.